Financial Analyst

Career Overview

If you are considering launching your career in finance, financial analyst is one of the most coveted career paths. Financial analysts play a key role in analyzing the macro and micro economic conditions of a company and make recommendations to customers and clients based on them. They work on spreadsheets, reports and presentations and present to investment companies to make their decisions.

There are different levels and types of financial analysts, namely, investment analysts, securities analysts and analysts who work on the buy side or sell side of markets. They are also otherwise known as research analysts and are responsible for identifying investment opportunities for the management. As a financial analyst in an investment bank your analysis can include IPOs, mergers and acquisitions.

A career as a financial analyst offers ample opportunities for growth and advancement. One can also specialize in one of the fields such as, investment analysis, budget analysis, credit analysis, money market analysis, risk analysis or securities analysis. Expertise in any of the fields is expected to be in great demand with emerging markets around the world with new investment opportunities and complex investment portfolios driving the need for greater financial assistance and services.It may be tough to break into a career of a financial analyst but if you have a passion for numbers and business combined with the right preparation you can position yourself for this high -paying career with real stature.

Salaries and Job Outlook*

Median Annual Pay

Number of Jobs

Projected Growth Rate

Job prospects for Financial Analysts are as bright as any other field of finance and offer attractive emoluments. They can be employed by Banks, Financial institutions, Insurance companies, KPOs, Corporate sectors and Finance and Asset Management organizations. With the financial service sector expanding job opportunities have multiplied along with salaries depending on capability, expertise and managerial skills of graduates.As a fresher, a Financial Analyst can draw an average salary of INR 3.5 lacs pa and as they move up to senior positions salaries can go above INR 5.5lacs pa

Education and Training

Degrees Required:

Bachelors Degree C.F.A. C.A.

A bachelor's degree with a major in business, accounting, maths and economics is ideal for pursuing a career as Financial Analyst. Having an MBA degree or a post graduate diploma in financial markets under your belt is an added advantage for career progression.

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Valued Traits & Abilities

Analytical Skills

Logical Reasoning

Communication Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Career Opportunities

Financial Analysts can seek exciting career opportunities in several fields both in the corporate sector and financial services industry. Job options are not restricted to Indian companies itself but reputed international firms as well. Their skill and expertise are sought at various areas such as Mutual funds, Merchant Banks, Investment companies, Tax consultancies, financial institutions and Pension managers. Some of the prominent fields Financial Analysts can choose are:

Corporate Finance

This is a fast and emerging specialization and you may work for a large MNC to help it find money to run the business, grow the business, make acquisitions, plan for its financial future and manage any cash on hand. Treasury management is also a part of Corporate Finance.

Investment Banking and Financial Services

A growing field where financial analysts offer advisory services to corporate clients on restructuring, IPOs, Consultancy services. They also play a role in negotiating with regard to Mergers and acquisitions. Other financial services include credit rating, marketing of public issues and providing assistance to venture capital.

International Finance and Risk Management

The importance of International finance has considerably increased with the convertibility of rupee in current account. Exports and Imports also require a deep understanding of International finance and seek advice of Financial Analysts.

Self Employed Financial Planner

Self employment is one of the best options for those with good interpersonal skills and fundamental knowledge of investment and financial planning. One can also get into teaching and training and research in the area of Financial Planning.

Top Companies

JP Morgan Chase

Xerox Business Service India Pvt. Ltd.

Oracle

HCL

IBM

Flipkart

Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd

Novartis Healthcare

Interview: Financial Analyst

“You will be more successful in this field if you are loyal to yourself and are ready to face every new experience as a challenge. Harshkant Wadhe, Senior Financial Analyst with Avaya India.”